Aphrodisiac

We’ve heard of foods for weight loss, foods for improved brain power and foods for sustain energy, but what about those foods that affect your sex drive and emotions? Aphrodisiac foods have been present in almost every culture in the world for hundreds of years, with all types of natural ingredients being used in cooking to evoke a certain emotional response from those who consume them. But do they really work?

Here are 9 aphrodisiac foods you may not have known about and what they really do to your body…

9. Chai tea

Hot foam, ginger, cloves, cinnamon – what more could you ask of an warm, cosy drink. The lower levels of caffeine compared to coffee, the warming effect and the impact of cloves on the body – a known testosterone booster – is exactly what you should be reaching to finish off a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.

8. Cherries

This passionately coloured fruit is a serious aphrodisiac food from the plethora of desire-increasing vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, C and E, potassium, magnesium, folate and iron to name a few, all contributing to improved mood, vitality and energy.

7. Figs

Throughout history, figs have been connected with sexuality in almost every period. Not to mention, this delicious fruit is packed with a number of key ingredients for a healthy sex drive and hormone production: potassium, antioxidants and vitamin A.

6. Artichoke

The base of so many yummy vegetarian dishes, this flowering plant has been another common symbol for sexuality in many regions. It’s ingredients have also been shown to increase blood flow and stimulate circulation, just what the doctor ordered!

5. Pine nuts

Add them to your salad, blend them up with your basil and olive oil for an amazing pesto, or roast them and add to some yogurt for a nutty breakfast – there are countless ways you can add this aphrodisiac to your day. Pine nuts contain extremely high levels of zinc which is a key ingredient to a healthy sex drive, and fertility.

4. Honey

Besides being the picture of sweetness and summer flings, honey contains a chemical called boron which has been proven to regulate hormone production in both male and females, not to mention giving you a little extra energy boost!

3. Chocolate

Yes, this is an excuse to eat those valentine’s day chocolates, but, stick to the darkest ones. Studies have shown that dark chocolate increases levels of dopamine in the brain, your bodies natural happy drug, inducing the feeling of pleasure.

2. Oysters

The all-time classic aphrodisiac – the oyster, but why? Well, besides being another incredible source of zinc, they also contain a number of amino acids that have actually been shown to increase the level of sex hormones in the body after consumption.

1. Avocado

Although many people wouldn’t think about their morning avo on toast affecting their sexdrive, avocado contains essential omega-3s and high levels of vitamin E that improves energy levels, mood and focus in both male and females, the recipe for keeping that spark alive!

Aphrodisiac foods: Do they really work? was last modified: February 13th, 2018 by Laura Fitzpatrick